Jim Popp

We’re not sure whether James Rodgers can be the solution to the Alouettes’ special teams problems — but he certainly arrives in Montreal with an impressive pedigree and hasn’t allowed obstacles to interfere with his development.

The last time Kyle Walters spoke to his father was about a month ago, July 21. Glen Allan Walters had lung issues and struggled since the death of his wife, Veronica, last September from a rare kidney disease.

Two days after the fact, Alouettes head coach Tom Higgins is adamant his decision to kick a convert, rather than attempt a two-point play late in the fourth quarter — potentially tying the game — was the correct call.

This is a league where there’s a reward for failure — the potential of scoring a single point for a missed field goal. It’s a league where two teams had similar nicknames, the Roughriders and Rough Riders; a league where one man can be allowed to own two teams; a league that has been known to draft dead guys. So, what’s one more potential blemish?

MONTREAL — Tom Higgins probably thought it was an innocuous comment at the time. Last Thursday, after initially hesitating, the Alouettes’ head coach admitted Chad Johnson receives preferential treatment — but didn’t elaborate at the time. But now, as the Als’ losses continue to mount and the team appears incapable of scoring touchdowns, it’s becoming clear that tension and turmoil exist. During last Friday’s defeat against Toronto, receiver Duron Carter and guard Ryan Bomben got into a shouting match. Linebacker Chip Cox also could be seen yelling at teammates.

The Alouettes announced on Monday that they have added Jeff Garcia to the team’s coaching staff. Garcia, who was a four-time CFL all-star and an NFL Pro Bowler as a quarterback, joins the Als’ offensive coaching staff.

If anyone can get the Alouettes' out of their funk, it's legendary former Canadian Football League head coach Don Matthews. Matthews has an innate ability of being able to relate to players - even at age 75.

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The Alouettes on Tuesday announced veteran import defensive back Billy Parker has had his contract extended by two seasons.
The 6-foot, 195-pound Parker turns 34 in May and has spent his entire Canadian

That roar you might have heard in Montreal just before the NHL's 3 p.m. trade deadline on March 2 came from across the Champlain Bridge after Greenfield Park native Torrey Mitchell was acquired by the Canadiens from the Buffalo Sabres.